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4x4ord's avatar
4x4ord
Explorer III
Dec 05, 2013

Ranking of 5th wheels

My 5th wheel is like new inside but the exterior is suffering from window seal leakage that has allowed water to get behind the gel coat. This water moves through the the Filon by osmosis and "pops" little circles off the gelcoat as it breaks through to the surface. It would be very costly to replace the Filon so I am thinking about replacing my 5ver. I would consider my Citation Supreme a middle of the road RV and would not want to buy anything of poorer quality than what it is. My limited understanding of other makes tells me that other middle of the road trailers would be Mobile Suite, HitchHiker, Arctic Fox, Carriage. Are there some other mid level RV's I might consider? If I wanted a higher quality trailer what is out there other than Continental Coach. I really don't want anything larger than 36 ft. In the past I considered the insulating value and type of glass (mirrored windows being an indicator of quality)as indicators of quality. Now I am thinking full body paint might be an indicator as well. What are some other quality indicators?

Edit: buying slightly used could be a consideration.

34 Replies

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  • sclark's avatar
    sclark
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    Donn0128 wrote:
    They do offer one model that can be had for 65-70K but you still need a dually to handle them.
    . X2 "Dry" pin weights start out at 3500#. Loaded you will be 4000 at a minimum. Good luck.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2013
    Just remember, new mobile suites is going to run 135-150K US prerry well loaded. And demand at minimum a one ton dually. They do offer one model that can be had for 65-70K but you still need a dually to handle them.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2013
    donn0128 wrote:
    Water damage is generally considered a lack of proper maintenance. Any RV can experience the same thing you are seeing by lack of keeping all openings properly sealed with the correct products.
    DoubleTree products are not considered mid level. They are more top of the line products. Hitch Hiker and Carriage are no longer in business, so unless your looking at used your out of luck. Northwood does make an excellent product. But again lacking proper care and maintenance it can fail just like your experiencing now.


    If DoubleTree is top of the line than I probably will want to consider top of the line. In the past I have looked at Mobile Suite and felt it was comparable to my Citation Supreme.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2013
    Water damage is generally considered a lack of proper maintenance. Any RV can experience the same thing you are seeing by lack of keeping all openings properly sealed with the correct products.
    DoubleTree products are not considered mid level. They are more top of the line products. Hitch Hiker and Carriage are no longer in business, so unless your looking at used your out of luck. Northwood does make an excellent product. But again lacking proper care and maintenance it can fail just like your experiencing now.

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